Stage set for Ponting fairytale

Time of need ... Australia needs Ricky Ponting to come good in his Test cricket swansong.

7pm TV News WA

The scene is set for Ricky Ponting to make a memorable exit from international cricket after South Africa clawed its way back into the decisive third Test in Perth.

After bowling the Proteas out for 225, Australia's top order failed to stand up to the music from pace weapons Dale Steyn (1 for 21) and Vernon Philander (1 for 8) late on day one to leave the hosts 2 for 33 at stumps.

So dangerous was the situation at the death that nightwatchman Nathan Lyon was sent in for Ponting.

The 37-year-old has scarcely ever had a nightwatchman bat for him and the crowd and wife Rianna cheered Lyon to the crease, mistakenly thinking he was Ponting.

The former captain is due in next on day two and the nation will be urging him to one last ton as he brings down the curtains on his 168-Test career.